Genre: Action | Mythological Drama
Director: Rishab Shetty
Producers: Hombale Films
Release Date: 2 October 2025 (Dussehra weekend)
Languages: Kannada, Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam (multi-language release)
Music: B. Ajaneesh Loknath
Main Leads: Rishab Shetty, Sapthami Gowda, Kishore
Plot Summary
Kantara: A Legend — Chapter 1 serves as the highly anticipated prequel to the 2022 blockbuster Kantara. Written and directed by Rishab Shetty, the film delves deeper into the ancient origins of the folklore introduced in the original. Set in the 4th century, the story revolves around the divine conflict between man, nature, and godliness, exploring the mystical beginnings of the Panjurli Daiva legend.
Rishab Shetty once again plays a fierce protector figure — this time set in an ancient world filled with tribal mysticism, nature worship, and cosmic justice. With stunning cinematography, immersive visuals, and spiritually charged storytelling, the movie builds upon the mythic intensity of the first part.
Reception
Critics:
Critics across the country hailed the film’s grand vision, breathtaking visuals, and powerful performances. Many praised Rishab Shetty’s commitment to cultural authenticity and the deeply spiritual tone.
However, some reviewers pointed out the slow pacing in the second half and a slightly convoluted narrative structure.
Average Critics’ Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Audience:
Audiences responded with overwhelming enthusiasm, especially in Karnataka and the Hindi-speaking belt. The film became a cultural event, drawing full houses across multiple states during its opening weekend. Word-of-mouth was exceptionally strong, with viewers calling it “a divine experience” and “a rare cinematic ritual.”
Industry Voices:
Industry experts described Kantara: Chapter 1 as “a visual masterpiece” and “the perfect blend of folklore and modern filmmaking.” Many analysts noted that it set new benchmarks for regional cinema’s box office reach, outperforming expectations even in non-Kannada markets.
Box Office Performance
Opening Response:
The film stormed into cinemas with a remarkable double-digit opening weekend. Backed by record-breaking advance bookings and high occupancy nationwide, it earned ₹37.24 crore net on Day 1. Momentum stayed strong through the weekend, marking one of the biggest openings for a Kannada-origin film in recent years.
Day-Wise Breakdown
Day 1 (Thursday, 2 Oct 2025)
India Gross: ₹61.85 crore
Worldwide Gross: ₹89 crore (approx)
A blockbuster start across all languages, with Karnataka recording its highest-ever single-day numbers.
Day 2 (Friday, 3 Oct 2025)
India Gross: ₹45.4 crore
Worldwide Gross (Cumulative): ₹151 crore
The film saw a minor drop but held steady. Strong word-of-mouth kept audience turnout consistent.
Day 3 (Saturday, 4 Oct 2025)
India Gross: ₹55 crore
Worldwide Gross (Cumulative): ₹240 crore
A 21% growth from Friday! Almost all major cities reported houseful shows.
Day 4 (Sunday, 5 Oct 2025)
India Gross: ₹61.5 – ₹61.85 crore
Worldwide Gross (Cumulative): ₹325 crore
Crossed the ₹300 crore worldwide milestone in just four days, setting a new weekend record for Kannada cinema.
Day 5 (Monday, 6 Oct 2025)
India Net: ₹9.6 – ₹10 crore
Worldwide Gross (Cumulative): ₹335 crore
A typical Monday dip, but still held strong, especially in metropolitan circuits.
First Week Summary
India Net: ₹245 – ₹255 crore
India Gross: ₹270 – ₹280 crore
Worldwide Gross: ₹350 – ₹370 crore
The film entered the ₹350 crore club within its first week, emerging as the biggest Kannada hit since the KGF franchise.
Lifetime Box Office Collection
India Net: ~₹250 crore
India Gross: ~₹295 crore
Worldwide Gross: ~₹365 crore
A phenomenal run that cements its position as one of the top-performing Indian films of 2025.
Highlights
Achieved ₹300 crore+ worldwide gross in just four days of release.
Overtook KGF Chapter 1 and HanuMan in initial box office pace.
Strong overseas performance, particularly in the UAE, USA, and Canada.
Emerged as 2025’s highest-grossing Kannada film within the first week.
Exceptional hold in non-Kannada markets — the Hindi version alone contributed over ₹50 crore.
Budget & Recovery
Budget: ₹120 crore (production + marketing)
Worldwide Gross: ₹365 crore
ROI (Return on Investment): ~304%
Verdict: Blockbuster
The film not only recovered its cost within the first weekend but also became one of the most profitable films of the year.
Music & Soundtrack
The background score and soundtrack by B. Ajaneesh Loknath received high praise for amplifying the film’s mystical tone.
Tracks like “Daiva Roopa” and “Vanashakti” became viral for their tribal chants and spiritual beats. The music played a crucial role in immersing audiences into the film’s mythic world.
Industry Impact
Kantara: A Legend — Chapter 1 reinforced the dominance of Kannada cinema in the Indian film landscape.
The movie’s success proved that rooted storytelling and authentic cultural representation can triumph over star-driven formulas.
Following its performance, multiple regional filmmakers have announced mythological or folklore-inspired projects, hoping to capture similar appeal.
It also set a new benchmark for visual effects and production quality in regional filmmaking, showcasing how high-concept cinema from South India can achieve pan-India resonance.
Summary
Kantara: A Legend — Chapter 1 arrived as one of the most awaited films of 2025 and lived up to the massive expectations. With ₹250 crore India net and ₹365 crore worldwide gross, the film emerged as a blockbuster, reaffirming Rishab Shetty’s position as a visionary filmmaker.
While the film’s mythological depth and spiritual tone might not appeal equally to all audiences, its cinematic grandeur, cultural authenticity, and emotional power made it a landmark in Indian cinema.
Kantara: A Legend — Chapter 1 is not just a box office triumph — it’s a cultural moment redefining what regional cinema can achieve on a global stage.
